John Lee Embarks On Marathon Campaign

Chief Executive hopeful John Lee on Monday met with around 10 political parties and groups to garner support, a day after revealing that he has already received about 300 endorsements for his leadership bid.

The former chief secretary has until Thursday to submit at least 188 nominations from Election Committee members - with at least 15 from each of the five sectors - to qualify as a candidate.

“No matter how many nominations I have at the moment, I will continue to work hard to meet and explain [my policy vision] to different election committee members and hopefully they will agree with me,” Lee said, before a meeting with the Friends of Hong Kong Association, which consists of local delegates to the National People’s Congress and Beijing’s top advisory body, CPPCC.

The CE hopeful also paid visits to the biggest political parties in Legco, as well as the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations and the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations.

Lee said he explained his vision of using a result-oriented approach to solve problems, and building a competitive Hong Kong with a secure and stable environment.

“I emphasised the importance of team spirit, I emphasised on the importance of synergy, and I also emphasised on the importance of good compliance and procedures and at the same time ensure that good results are achieved,” he said.

One of the lawmakers who met Lee, New People’s Party chairwoman Regina Ip, pledged her party’s support.

“I’m very happy that Ka-chiu came out to shoulder this heavy responsibility,” she said.

Liberal Party chairman Tommy Cheung, meanwhile, said he looks forward to “seamless cooperation” with Lee, praising the CE hopeful as someone who does not waste time or drag his feet.